Emirates has yet a Cadet Pilot Program for UAE citizens, but not for foreigners. Does someone know if/when this will change? Itīs clear that they need foreigners and so it should be the best way to open this program also to foreigners, isnīt it?

And if you make this program (in case you are UAE citizen) you will fly for about 1 year abroad. For another airline, and if so please tell me which, or as a training of Emirates.

Itīs clear that they need foreigners and so it should be the best way to open this program also to foreigners, isnīt it?

EK need foreign PILOTS, of which they have applications from thousands who make the minimum experience (4000hrs TT, 2000hrs Jet). They don't NEED to pay to train Cadets of any nationality, but choose to give cadet-ships to suitable UAE nationals.

Sorry, but there hasn't been any prospect of non-emiraties getting cadet-ships in the past, and there is much less so given the current climate.

Training lasts for 18 months between UAE and Australia, Flight Dispatch sometimes welcomes those who couldn't achieve the program.

Yeah wasta system is a reality here, but much less than in Abu Dhabi. A look at the Internal Vacancies on the intranet now clearly shows that more and more opportunities are tailored for UAE nationals only. It took time but the Gov is now well determined to empower emiratization. I wouldn't bet on the EK cadet program unless you're damnly well connected.

But they will need thousands of new pilots to hire within the next years, so that it could be usefull for them to train also foreigners?

I mean itīs nearly impossible to receive enough captains/first officers from other airlines to fly their planes if they will gtrow like expected. And according to rumors itīs even today difficult - but I donīt know if I can trust that.

Sorry, Speedy, you can think as wishfully as you want, but even during the hight of the pilot shortage, it meant it was a little difficult to get enough guys with 4000hrs total and 2000hrs jet.

If worst came to worst they might have to take guys who only have thousands of hours on turbo props, though at the moment we have plenty of experienced (but recently unemployed) jet Captains training as FOs.

There are very few major airlines around the world who take ab-initio cadets, and most that do charge for the privilege (And even THEN usually only to people who are nationals or residents of the companies home country!!).

I wouldn't be holding my breath waiting for EK to hand out cadet ships to non-nationals.

There will never be any serious non local cadet program while they can get enough pilots with the bare minimum experience who have paid their own way. Why would you bother when you can just put an add in the paper. Emiratis get it ,well, because they are emiratis. If only my government gave a toss about its own! Thay are too busy paying out millions to foreign governments in the form of aid to squander and my tax money pays for new immigrants to settle etc etc. Strange world!!

The other day I was talking to a couple of expat FO,s...they have been speaking in decent manner while sharing some stories about work and news of airliners..and while we were discussing the plans for local cadets programs, all of a sudden, tough crosswind has totally changed course!

I don't understand why some people get pissed off when they hear the word "nationalization"! it's like stepping on their fingers with a heel of steel!!

If you hate it, unfortunately you don't really have anything to do about it ..except if you wanna leave it all for good! even this option, not many who will dare it..because those folks inherently want it all until the very last drop of it!

I don't understand why some people get pissed off when they hear the word "nationalization"

Because discrimination is a by-product of nationalization. You cant discuss nationalization without going into local politics, which, as you know isn't something you can freely debate living in a sandbox. Airlines are naturally resistant to nationalization legislation when it is forced down their throats by government.

EK was short of pilots 18-12 months ago. They were thinking about opening the cadet program for foreigners but things changed. A lot of pilots came from US and South America, as you know the industry is not doing very well there. They have enough now, especially on the B777 fleet. So, no chance in the near future.

Aero..I respectfully disagree with you mate..because when the country is offering a privilege for citizens, this is not discrimination...it's just what is expected. And remember that we are talking specifically about creating jobs for some "national carriers" in the region.

Another argument would go like this...a newly licensed pilot with an average of 220 flying hours and most likely still non type-rated...what are his chances to work for an airline like Emirates or Gulf Air unless he is a citizen?? who would ever grant him a decent chance to join in as soon as he gets the license? and what are his chances in general to get a job with a respectful airline? how soon he can expect that to happen?

the fact of the matter is that many examples in many regions in the world are there & can support this concept with regard to cadets programs...isn't it a logical approach to invest in suitable candidates and qualify local cadets for a national airliner career?

It happens once in a decade, or maybe lesser ratio, to witness a company like Etihad launching the evenful global cadets program (even this thing is happening due to certain circumstances where there are no many local candidates that can supply the high demand at both Etihad+Emirates!! nevertheless, positioning themselves as the multi-national/multi-cultural company that is seeking higher ranking)..

anyway those who can join any cadet program are really lucky...and I sincerely wish that you can be one of those

I just read you mentioning that there is a Cadet program for Etihad for non UAE nationals. Would you be able to tell me where you found that information as I can not find it anywhere on their website apart from their own national UAE cadet program. If this program is still active I would very much be interested in applying. Or would you (or anyone else on this site) know about any other cadet programs which are open to foreigners? (My nationality is Dutch by the way.)